Resources for College Students

College and university students, the Library is available and here to help you.

At the Red Bridge Branch (where I work), we have college students in our branch pretty regularly because we’re located near several colleges and universities, and they’re always excited to hear about the many resources and services MCPL offers that can help them.

For those of you who may be unfamiliar, allow me to give you some easy tools that may help you be more successful in your academic and personal lives. First, get set up with a Library card. You can do this one of two ways; you can either sign up online or come into your local MCPL branch and register in person.

Do you need technology while you’re away from campus? All MCPL branches have free parking lot Wi-Fi connections. If you want a Wi-Fi to Go Hotspot to check out and take with you, you can place them on hold and pick them up at your nearest MCPL branch. You may also borrow Chromebooks to take with you, or you can utilize laptops while at the branch. Contact your closest MCPL branch for more details. The Library also has public computers for you to use.  

Do you have items you need to print out but can only arrive later in the day to get them? Download the PrinterOn App for Mobile Device Printing. In plain terms, this means you don’t have to be at the Library to use this service. The PrinterOn App is also free to download. The copies themselves cost 10 cents a page for black and white and 50 cents for color. The Library has copy and fax machines available as well.

While Library branches may have programs happening in their larger community program rooms, many branches also have meeting or collaboration rooms available on a first-come basis. These smaller rooms are perfect for interviews, meetings, study groups, quiet space, or private tutoring. There is a two-hour maximum time limit. Nearly every branch also has ample seating space for sitting and working too. You can also make reservations up to a week in advance online for your study groups.

The Library is happy to offer online services from Tutor.com that are available 24/7, such as WriteTutor from Tutor.com, Test Prep from Tutor.com, and Job Help from Tutor.com. Do you have a proctored exam you need to take? The Library helps with Test Proctoring too. Schedule yours at least a week in advance of your exam by contacting your branch. Availability differs with each location.

Are you trying to study for a career certification? The Library has multiple ways for you to become successful in this endeavor as well. Check out the Test Prep Books in the Library’s collection, or take preparatory exams through LearningExpress Library. This can help for those going into teaching, real estate, military, and medical careers. If you are not a current university student, LearningExpress Library can help you with ACT and SAT prep too. Peterson’s Test and Career Prep can help you prepare for grad school as well.

May your 2022-2023 school year be awesome!

Andrew E.
Red Bridge Branch